Teacher background information

This elaboration describes opportunities for students to learn how the laws of physics can be applied to explain the effectiveness of hunting tools used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Students investigate how variables such as mass, dimension and force influence the acceleration, velocity, reach and impact force of the projectiles used in combination with spear throwers and bows. By studying the design features of traditional hunting tools, students gain an understanding of the laws of physics that govern the motion of objects. At the same time students have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the highly developed scientific knowledge, inquiry skills and engineering abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The development and use of light weight spears and spear throwers in mainland Australia and bows and arrows in the Torres Strait Islands many millennia prior to European contact are clear evidence that Australia's First Nations peoples were able to recognise patterns and trends in data and demonstrated a good understanding of the relationship between the mass of the spear (dart/arrow/projectile), the force applied to it, and its velocity, range and impact force. 

A spear thrower acts as a lever that extends the throwing arm, causing the wrist rotation to increase the velocity of the spear. This allows the hunter to not only throw the spear further, but as the kinetic energy of the spear increases with the square of the velocity, it also increases the striking force of the projectile. 

A bow and arrow works by a different physical principle, as it makes use of the elastic potential energy that is stored in the bow when drawn. Upon release, this energy enables a greater acceleration of the arrow than could be achieved by hand.  

Ultimately, it depends on the distance of the target and the impact force that needs to be achieved to determine which of these two methods, bow and arrow or spear thrower, is more effective. It is well documented that many Aboriginal peoples of mainland Australia find the spear thrower, which enables greater impact force at a shorter range, to be more effective against large marsupials. Torres Strait Islander peoples prefer the bow and arrow, as it is more suited to hunting smaller prey, which requires less penetrating force, and can achieve greater range.  

An investigation into the mechanics of the traditional hunting methods of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples allows students to deepen their understanding of the physical laws that govern the motion of objects. It not only provides students with an authentic context that requires the application of the laws of physics, but also allows students to learn about the ingenuity and the scientific knowledge of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.